Road ID...Anybody got one?

[Heifzilla]

I don't think putting it on the helmet strap is a good idea. If you're incapacitated a helmet is likely to be cut off so they can get you onto a backboard, and left at the scene.

There's an ongoing thread about this on one of the motorcycle boards I'm on, and the consensus from several EMTs is that they do not look for this stuff. At all. They will stabilize you and get you to a hospital is all. I think you do want it when you get to the hospital, though. They will need a next of kin (or medical POA) to make decisions, drug allergy info, and an insurance #.

I wonder if paramedics look for this stuff (versus EMTs). Because I have serious drug allergies and if a paramedic gives me any of these drugs it can kill me (and these are fairly common drugs, too). EMTs, on the other hand, can't administer drugs. So, I would hope paramedics look for these.

[Kelly728]

My Road ID is actually tight on me. I have teeny wrists and I can barely stand to pull the strap through onto the velcro... but I wear it every time I am out doing something alone, even just running the loop on my street.

This may sound completely silly, but is there a chance that you may have the strap for the shoe ID?

[LoriO]

I got my Road ID bracelet after I had an accident at the barn where I keep my horse. Now anytime I ride my horse or my bike it gets strapped on my wrist. It is worth every penny just for the peace of mind it gives me. While my phone does have the ICE contacts in it, I do not rely on it inan accident because it is too easy for a cell phone to get broken or lost in an accident. At least the bracelet is attached to me and easily seen!

[Duck on Wheels]

Thanks to whoever started this thread; thanks for the reminder! I just checked my ankle-strap ID and found that DH's cell phone # there is out of date. I'll have to order a new one.

[AnnieBikes]

I also wear the Road ID every time I go for a long walk or a bike ride. Since my DH left for an 800 mile bike ride this morning, I will be riding and training alone sometimes. I wear the ankle bracelet and if wearing Keen cycle sandals and no socks, I wear the arm band. You never know when there might be an incident. Although I carry a cell, and as was stated earlier in this thread, it can disappear in the weeds, or someone might not see it.

If you order a Road ID off my blog noted below, then the Wellmont Hospice House gets $2 directly to them! It has been a very nice way to raise some money for them. Later this summer, I will be riding a 1500 mile ride in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to raise money for them.

[kfergos]

I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while, and I'd be interested in hearing the pros/cons of the interactive vs. normal Road ID. Is it really worth it? Would a paramedic or EMT actually call the number or check the web site? Would they at the hospital? It seems like a good idea, but only if emergency personnel actually used it.

This could be particularly good because although I've been a Massachusetts resident for 3 years (not counting the previous 4 years of college), I still have my old Washington state driver's license (I know, I know, it's not technically legal). Since I only rarely drive, it's not been a big deal, but I wonder how much good it would do in an accident to have an out of state license that references my parents' home address rather than my actual place of residence. I just want to be sure my DH can find out about me if something did happen, since I ride alone 99% of the time.

Edit to add: Also, if you maintain your own web site, couldn't you make your own emergency contact page and have them put your web site URL on as one of the lines?

[Becky]

I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while, and I'd be interested in hearing the pros/cons of the interactive vs. normal Road ID. Is it really worth it? Would a paramedic or EMT actually call the number or check the web site? Would they at the hospital? It seems like a good idea, but only if emergency personnel actually used it.

The interactive concept isn't really a new one. Medic Alert has done it for years, and it seems to work well for their users. I've been fortunate thus far- no one's ever needed to call Medic Alert with my user ID- so I can't give any first-hand testimony.

I would say that it's worth it if you need more than just basic "who I am" and emergency contact info. At $10 a year, it's considerably cheaper than Medic Alert too.....

[msincredible]

If you order a Road ID off my blog noted below, then the Wellmont Hospice House gets $2 directly to them! It has been a very nice way to raise some money for them. Later this summer, I will be riding a 1500 mile ride in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to raise money for them.

I just ordered one through your link.

[AnnieBikes]

Thank you so very much! I will be riding another long ride for our local Hospice House, beginning August 1st...1500 miles in 30 days with 4 rest days! I am very excited to ride again for them. In my past three long rides, one a year since 2007, I have raised $68,000. wahoo!!! Lots of people have bought RoadID's via the site and Hospice is the beneficiary. Thanks again!

2007 Southern Tier http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/annesoutherntier2007
2008 Underground RR http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2...groundRailroad

2009 Northwest Loop

[Susan Otcenas]

I won a $15 gift certificate for a Road ID at a triathlon yesterday. Just placed an order this morning for an Ankle ID. I keep ICE numbers in my cell phone too, but had been thinking of ordering a RoadID anyway. I do 5:30 a.m. workouts 5 days a week, and it's dark and lonely out there much of the year. This will give me (and my family) a little more peace of mind.

[Marissa]

I wonder if paramedics look for this stuff (versus EMTs). Because I have serious drug allergies and if a paramedic gives me any of these drugs it can kill me (and these are fairly common drugs, too). EMTs, on the other hand, can't administer drugs. So, I would hope paramedics look for these.

I'm an ICU nurse and have worked in the ER. Although paramedics can give drugs, it's really pretty rare that drugs are given en route--the main purpose of EMS is to secure and transport. In my experience, they do look for necklaces and bracelets, but they're not going to go digging around through backpacks and such because their focus is safe transport, and they just don't have time for digging. So yes, if they're about to give you a medication they'll look for a bracelet or necklace, they just don't give drugs often. Generally when paramedics are transporting from accident to hospital, the drugs most often given are morphine, ACLS drugs such as epinephrine, and of course nitroglycerin but that's rarely an issue for bike accidents. If you're in a trauma you might get morphine on the way, but mostly they'll be giving fluids to support your blood pressure. You don't have to worry about being given penicillin in an ambulance.

At the hospital, however, we'll take as much information as we can get! And yes, we'll look through anything and everything but it's really best to have is easily visible, such as a necklace or bracelet. I love the idea of the RoadID that gives more information when you call or go online. If you really want to be thorough, I'd suggest the following information:

Name, date of birth, drug allergies (it's a good idea to include the reaction, because there's a significant difference between nausea and say, anaphylactic shock), current medications including the dose, pharmacy and pharmacy's phone number, your physician and his/her phone number, previous injuries, surgeries and illnesses, emergency contact information, and the name of your Power of Attorney for Healthcare (you should have one!).

[AnnieBikes]

I have gotten so used to wearing mine that I feel a bit, well, naked, if I don't have it on, like driving down the driveway before I put my seatbelt on. It just doesn't feel right!! With my DH on a self supported ride away from home, I want to have an ID if I have an accident.

[Carolina Girl]

Road ID's are also great for wearing to the gym. Occasionally I am there and don't see anyone that I know. Having it on gives me the security of knowing that if I had a medical emergency there that someone would know how to contact my spouse.

[tctrek]

DH and I both have the Road ID that is a dog tag. He wears his all the time, but I only wear mine out on the bike. Wearing it in the gym seems like a good idea also!

[Crankin]

Kelley, I do not have the shoelace one... in fact I have 2 Road ID wrist bands, because one was "lost" for a few months, so I got another one. They both feel tight.
I wear a size 7 glove, so I know my hands, etc. are not big! I think my whole body swells a bit when I ride, especially in hot weather. I am used to it.
I am trying to get my husband to get one. He commutes to work a couple of days a week at this time of year and although he has his wallet and cell phone, I don't know how I would be notified, if he couldn't talk.

Katie, get a MA license!